Slavia Praga 2–4 Barcelona — Champions League Thrills in Prague
On a freezing winter night in Prague, FC Barcelona delivered a dramatic and crucial 4–2 comeback victory over Slavia Praga in Matchday 7 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League phase. The result keeps Barcelona firmly in the hunt for a top eight finish, while Slavia faces a tough road in Europe after producing a spirited, if ultimately unsuccessful, performance at the Fortuna Arena.
Early Setback, Brave Response
Slavia Praga stunned Barcelona early, with Vasil Kušej breaking the deadlock in just the 10th minute to ignite the home fans. Facing a sluggish start, Barça responded through Fermín López, who netted twice before halftime to put the visitors ahead. A bizarre own goal by Robert Lewandowski briefly restored parity for Slavia just before the break, setting the stage for an edgy second half.
Second-Half Surge and Key Performances
Barcelona took control after the interval. Dani Olmo, introduced following a Pedri injury, scored a spectacular third — curling a strike into the top corner — before Lewandowski redeemed his earlier misfortune by sealing the 4–2 scoreline late in the game. Fermín López’s brace and Olmo’s impact underline a team capable of responding under pressure.
Tactical Dynamics
Barcelona’s comeback was marked by adaptation and squad depth. Manager Hansi Flick responded to tactical challenges by reshaping his attack, with substitutions proving decisive in shifting momentum. Slavia, by contrast, started with confidence but couldn’t sustain their early energy against superior finishing and tactical acumen from the Spanish side.
What It Means for Both Teams
This result lifts Barcelona’s points tally, keeping alive their aspirations to qualify directly to the Champions League round of 16 under the competition’s evolving format. Slavia Praga, meanwhile, remains rooted near the bottom of the league standings, yet can take heart from an inspired showing against elite opposition.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona now turns focus to their remaining fixtures, knowing that consistency and goal-scoring will be vital if they are to finish among the top eight. Slavia must regroup quickly to salvage their European campaign and build confidence for domestic battles.
